Discreet vs. Discrete – Pick the Correct Word

While you may be more familiar with one of these words than the other, the second is not a misspelling. Discreet and discrete are both perfectly spelled English words with the same pronunciation, yet different meanings.

Short and Sweet: Discreet vs. Discrete

Discreet and discrete are both adjectives, and they are unrelated to each another.

Discreet is related to discretion. It means subtle, or with good judgement.

Discrete means distinct, individual, or separate.

These definitions are cursory, so continue reading for more in-depth discussions of the meanings of these words. I have provided some example sentences to demonstrate how to use discreet or discrete, as well as a trick for remembering which one is which!

What Does Discreet Mean?

Meaning of Discreet:Discreet is an adjective that typically means prudent. If someone is showing discretion, that means he or she is using good judgement.

I trust you to be discreet with this sensitive information.

These rules are really more like guidelines, so use your discretion.

Discreet also has connotations of modesty and/or subtlety. If something is done discreetly, it is done without calling attention to it.

Students who arrive late to class try to sit down as discreetly as possible, but the whole class turns around to look at them anyway. > subtle, unnoticeable

What Does Discrete Mean?

Meaning of Discrete:Discrete, while sounding identical to discreet, has a completely different meaning. Something that is discrete is noncontinuous or unconnected, or it can be made up of separate individual components. “Distinct” and “individual” are good synonyms for discrete.

Rather than keeping a theme, the artist filled her gallery with discreet

A series of discreet signs posted in a row can sometimes draw more attention than a single, large sign.

Discrete is often used in discussions about how isolated events or variables affect each other, and whether or not they create a narrative. Discreet is also frequently used to refer to individual sections, emphasizing their separateness.

The dock is made of 10 discrete sections.

Discrete vs. Discreet: Write 101 Memory Trick

Remembering how to spell discrete or discreet can be tricky since their spellings are so similar.

Discrete refers to items that are separate. The two “E”s in discrete are separated by the “T,” rather than appearing together.

Discreet is spelled with a double “E,” like in the word “street.” Someone who is able to be discreet, or use good judgment, has street smarts.

Recap: When to Use Discreet and Discrete

While both of these words sound the same, their meanings are distinct and never overlap.